Erythron system in systemic exposure to nitrogen oxides

Aim. Assessment of erythron parameters in subjects exposed occupationally t o nitrogen oxides polluted air versus those who work in healthy environment . Materials and methods. Levels of red cells, reticulocytes, packed cell volu me, resistance of red cell membranes to acid buffer were measured in 95 sub jects working in polluted environment and 89 healthy controls. Results, Long-term (10 years and longer) contact with nitrogases entails a tendency to lowering of red cell number in the exposed subjects, significan t rise of packed cell volume, increased mean cell volume of red cells, anis ocytosis and reticulocytosis, high acid resistance of red cells and their m embrane permeability. The causes of these changes are discussed in terms of "uneffective erythropoiesis" conception. Conclusion, Thus, erythron parameters can serve for indication of toxic eff ects of some chemicals on human body.